Developments in low-cost laser detection: wide field of view implementation and direction determination

Marie Zandi, David M. Benton, Kate Sugden, David H. Titterton, Robert J. Grasso, Mark A. Richardson

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The availability of low cost but relatively high power laser pointers (hundreds of mW) has led to misuse with potentially dangerous consequences, such as dazzling aircraft which has raised concerns about aircraft safety. A low cost laser detection system based on coherence detection has been developed and is able to detect weak, continuous laser sources even against bright background light. In this paper, we introduce the use of a cone mirror to extend the horizontal field of view of the detector (originally at 3°) to 360° to detect incoming beams from different directions. With the additional use of a camera in the system, we also determine the direction of the incoming laser beam. Finally, the sensitivity between the original system and the cone mirror system are compared: the new system showed promising results with a sensitivity below 100nW.
Original languageEnglish
Article number111610H
JournalProceedings of SPIE - International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume11161
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Oct 2019
EventTechnologies for Optical Countermeasures XVI - Strasbourg, France
Duration: 9 Sept 201912 Sept 2019

Bibliographical note

Copyright 2019 SPIE. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.

Keywords

  • Coherence discrimination
  • Cone mirror
  • Field of view
  • Laser direction
  • Laser warning systems

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